Trying to find a helmet that fits

[littlesunshine]

I've had quite some trouble finding a helmet to fit comfortably. I currently have a Petzl Boreo that I've worn and disliked for a year and a half. I seem to have a small and strangely shaped head! It gives a horrible headache after an hour or so and slips over my eyes no matter how tight it is.

I tried on a Camp Rockstar today which was lovely until the weight of a HM70R hit the front and it refused to stay out of my eyes.

Any recommendations for helmets from people with similar issues? or perhaps a siggested way to adjust of fix the issues I am having with the Boreo?

Thanks!

 

[Cantclimbtom]

If you have an issue with your helmets pivoting backwards and forwards, your head might be wider than it is long? in which case one that adjusts by length might work.

Very few good ones like that around but you can get second hand ones on "fleabay", if you search Petzl Ecrin Roc there's several with cheapest as £21.50 right now.

Obviously there are pros and cons with second hand kit. It's your decision if the arbitrary 10 year date (apparently helmets, carabiners etc all become immediately fatal the second the clock ticks past midnight as they become 10 years old ) could be an issue for you, it's not to me, but others here will disagree - there's not a consensus. But Ecrin Roc might fit you better? and solve a forwards backwards pivot problem.

The only other similar adjustment helmet is Petzl Vertex which are still available new. These are OK but bigger and taller on the head. You do see them used in caving occasionally, but they are pretty industrial (roped access and arborists use them a lot). The vented version is best IMHO.

See if you can try on someone's Ecrin Roc

 

[paul]

(apparently helmets, carabiners etc all become immediately fatal the second the clock ticks past midnight as they become 10 years old )

The 10 year rule doesn't apply to hardware like carabiners. Some helmets have a cradle made of nylon or similar which absorbs shock and will be affected by age just like slings and rope and the shell will degrade over time.

 

[littlesunshine]

If you have an issue with your helmets pivoting backwards and forwards, your head might be wider than it is long? in which case one that adjusts by length might work.

Very few good ones like that around but you can get second hand ones on "fleabay", if you search Petzl Ecrin Roc there's several with cheapest as £21.50 right now.

Obviously there are pros and cons with second hand kit. It's your decision if the arbitrary 10 year date (apparently helmets, carabiners etc all become immediately fatal the second the clock ticks past midnight as they become 10 years old ) could be an issue for you, it's not to me, but others here will disagree - there's not a consensus. But Ecrin Roc might fit you better? and solve a forwards backwards pivot problem.

The only other similar adjustment helmet is Petzl Vertex which are still available new. These are OK but bigger and taller on the head. You do see them used in caving occasionally, but they are pretty industrial (roped access and arborists use them a lot). The vented version is best IMHO.

See if you can try on someone's Ecrin Roc

The Camp Rockstar is similar to the Ecrin Roc right? it had an adjustable cradle and definitely was very comfortable, it was mostly the weight on the front from the light that ended up making it slip into my eyes and I couldnt get it to adjust better. I can have a go trying to find one of those to try on, thanks for the suggestions!

 

[andrewmcleod]

You *might* be better with a light with a battery pack at the back to balance out the weight, but probably just worth trying as many helmets as possible first - there is quite a range available. The Rockstar is definitely a cheap helmet; not necessarily a nice helmet, but I'm sure it probably fits some people well. Edelrid Ultralight is similar to the Ecrin/Rockstar I think; otherwise there is the various CT helmets etc.

 

[Cantclimbtom]

The Camp Rockstar is similar to the Ecrin Roc right? it had an adjustable cradle and definitely was very comfortable, it was mostly the weight on the front from the light that ended up making it slip into my eyes and I couldnt get it to adjust better. I can have a go trying to find one of those to try on, thanks for the suggestions!

Ah OK, sorry I didn't realise the rockstar had that wheel adjustment too.
If it's just the weight being too far forwards, maybe have a second head torch kept on the rear as your emergency spare (assuming of course the emergency wasn't that you just dropped your helmet down a rift )

 

[mikem]

Edelrid ultralight design has totally changed, unfortunately not for the better (we have a load at work)

I have similar torches mounted front and back, to balance weight.

 

[hannahb]

How about a Petzl Panga? They're a bit smaller than the Borea and on small heads they sit further back which might help. I really don't like them because I've got a fairly big head so perhaps they would suit you

I've got a Black Diamond helmet for climbing and my goodness it's comfortable, compared to the Petzl Ecrin Best that I use for caving and Ecrin Rock that I previously used for climbing. Would recommend. Possibly less robust than a helmet specifically designed for caving but lovely to wear.

 

[LadyMud]

Alternatively, could you grow your hair longer, and wind a couple of braids around your head?

 

[Ali M]

It all depends on the size and shape of your head. I find that a Edelrid ultralight junior stays in place and does not tilt to one side as most helmets do on my head.

 

[littlesunshine]

How about a Petzl Panga? They're a bit smaller than the Borea and on small heads they sit further back which might help. I really don't like them because I've got a fairly big head so perhaps they would suit you

I've got a Black Diamond helmet for climbing and my goodness it's comfortable, compared to the Petzl Ecrin Best that I use for caving and Ecrin Rock that I previously used for climbing. Would recommend. Possibly less robust than a helmet specifically designed for caving but lovely to wear.

My club has a few Pangas for club use so I might have a go using those, thanks for the suggestion!

 

[tim.rose2]

I have a small head. I use a CT something or another. Bought it in Inglesport a few years ago - apparently it's a kids model. Very comfortable, lightweight and a massive improvement on the Ecrin + thick headband flopping around on my head that I used to use. I have a fenix HM65 on it and fenix single AA torch as a backup.

 

[bagpuss]

If you have an issue with your helmets pivoting backwards and forwards, your head might be wider than it is long? in which case one that adjusts by length might work.

Very few good ones like that around but you can get second hand ones on "fleabay", if you search Petzl Ecrin Roc there's several with cheapest as £21.50 right now.

Obviously there are pros and cons with second hand kit. It's your decision if the arbitrary 10 year date (apparently helmets, carabiners etc all become immediately fatal the second the clock ticks past midnight as they become 10 years old ) could be an issue for you, it's not to me, but others here will disagree - there's not a consensus. But Ecrin Roc might fit you better? and solve a forwards backwards pivot problem.

The only other similar adjustment helmet is Petzl Vertex which are still available new. These are OK but bigger and taller on the head. You do see them used in caving occasionally, but they are pretty industrial (roped access and arborists use them a lot). The vented version is best IMHO.

See if you can try on someone's Ecrin Roc

I have this issue with Ecrin Roc..

 

[ChrisB]

I happened to be in Decathlon and they have a Simond Helmet. This seems to have separate adjustments for length and circumference, and the rear straps cross over at the back, which may hold the back down better. And it's not expensive.

 

[Loki]

I happened to be in Decathlon and they have a Simond Helmet. This seems to have separate adjustments for length and circumference, and the rear straps cross over at the back, which may hold the back down better. And it's not expensive.

I’ve had one of these for maybe 4 years or more and honestly it’s so light and fits my 60cm noggin perfectly. The padding is not the most durable but for the price it’s worth it. I too found the Ecrin Roc intensely uncomfortable- it would press into my temples after a while. With a skilhunt H03 cable tied to the front it’s very cost effective for a lid and 24h+ of light for 70-80 quid.

 

[mikem]

Hopefully everyone is aware that climbing helmets now come in two main types - single (ab)use, that break to absorb the shock (not suitable for caving, but obviously didn't exist when most cavers bought their lids); and mountaineering, that will transfer more of the load to your head, but protect you from multiple (small) impacts

 

[Babyhagrid]

just avoid silly designs with exposed foam like this petzl offering

 

[andrewmcleod]

I saw loads of Petzl Meteor helmets being used by clearly very fast French cavers who were heading down to Camp 2 in the Berger where they were pushing significant new passage.
So you can definitely use a 'foam' helmet (i.e. one with a less substantial or no exterior liner) underground; it just depends on the kind of caving you will be doing (and how much you are sponsored by Petzl!)
For standard UK use, probably not (but if all you do is big open Yorkshire potholes or easy walking passage in big Welsh caves, a foam helmet might do you fine...)

 

[JAshley73]

@littlesunshine Most people aren't aware, but the Boreo comes in (2) sizes. If you have the M/L size (53-61cm), perhaps the S/M (48-58cm)would fit better? The Borea - with the "notched" back strap for a women's ponytail - fits between the (2) Boreo mens sizes, at 52-58cm.

They also have the Picchu kids helmet, at 48-54cm. Way too small for me, but maybe worth a shot?

I have many Petzl Vertex helmets, and they are a fine unit. However, I find that when crawling on, it's hard to look "forward." The brim seems to sit lower, and is harder to see under without tilting my head/neck way back, which is pretty uncomfortable. I found that the Boreo is much better in this regard.

I may even consider stepping down to an HM61r V2/V3 headlamp, for the lighter weight as well - especially if you find a helmet that feels comfortable otherwise.

 

[andrewmcleod]

I think the Borea is basically the Boreo small but the notched bit of plastic (for ponytails) means it can't close down quite as small (hence 52-58cm instead of 48-58cm).

The new bungee clip at the rear for Boreo helmets is dumb (at least for caving) and in my limited experience doesn't work very well.